How a tiny island off Madagascar became the legendary headquarters for 17th-century pirates

History · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Nosy Boraha, or Sainte-Marie, was once a pirate paradise. Between 1691 and 1719, notorious figures like William Kidd and Henry Every used its protected bays to ambush East Indies trade routes. Today, the island is a quiet sanctuary for humpback whales, though its piratical past remains etched in local lore.

The island’s geography made it an ideal base for maritime outlaws. Measuring 60 kilometres long and less than 10 kilometres wide, it offered natural protection from storms, abundant fruit, and quiet waters. Its proximity to major shipping lanes meant pirates could easily intercept vessels returning from the East Indies laden with riches. This strategic advantage attracted legendary figures such as Robert Culliford, Olivier Levasseur, Abraham Samuel, and Thomas Tew, who resided on the île aux Forbans.

The influence of these pirates extended into local culture, leading to a history of mixed marriages with the Betsimisaraka people. Myths of a 'Pirate Republic' ruled by Henry Every as a king or emperor circulated widely, though historians often view these tales as inspiration for fictional accounts like the legendary 'Libertalia.' The allure of pirate treasure persists; in 2015, a 55 kg ingot discovered off the coast was initially hailed as part of Captain Kidd’s hoard. UNESCO analysis later debunked this, identifying the object as 95% lead and likely a remnant of local port construction.

Beyond its history of plunder, the island has undergone significant political shifts. In 1750, Bety of Betsimisaraka ceded the territory to France, though a rebellion in 1752 led to a massacre of colonists. The French returned in 1818 to establish a penal colony, and in 1857, they built the first Catholic church in Madagascar. The island eventually joined the Malagasy Republic in 1960. Today, the island is celebrated for its biodiversity, including rare orchids and lemurs, and serves as a critical mating ground for migrating humpback whales.

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